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offensive definition

of·fen·sive (ə fen′siv; for adj., also ô′fen′siv)

adjective

  1. attacking; aggressive
  2. of or for attack
  3. ☆ designating or of the side that is seeking to score in any contest
  4. unpleasant, as to the senses; disgusting; repugnant an offensive odor
  5. causing resentment, anger, etc.; insulting

Etymology: ML offensivus < L offensa, offense

noun

  1. attitude or position of attack: often with the
  2. an attack or hostile action, esp. by armed forces

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"Forked Tongue" Offensive?196 years ago

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